Oh the Places You Will Go

Alayah Jones

Ms. Pilson

E3H Block 1

May 16, 2016

Oh, the Places You’ll Go Analysis

I chose to analyze Oh, the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss because it is my favorite childhood book and it has definitely got me to where I am today. The literary element, symbolism, can be found many times throughout the story. One example is Seuss’ way of using open spaces. He uses open spaces to portray either good or bad feelings. For example Seuss would use open space in his writings and then also use his illustrations to connect his thoughts to his writings. He would fill open spaces with bright colors, lots of people and things, and order to get the reader to feel a sense of possibility and joy. He also filled open spaces with dark colors, winding paths, and emptiness to get the reader to feel a sense of drifting off, feeling lost, threat, and danger. Another example of symbolism can be found in the following quote: ”Oh, the places you'll go! There is fun to be done! There are points to be scored. There are games to be won. And the magical things you can do with that ball will make you the winning-est winner of all.” (23) In this quote the “ball” that Seuss is referring to is success in life itself. If we all just play our cards right and do what’s right, the “game” that we are playing, which is life, will turn out right. Dr. Seuss’ use of symbolism in Oh, the Places You’ll Go helped him to get the reader to understand that there are endless possibilities in this world.

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